SULPHURIC ACID, H2SO4

Sulphuric acid, H2SO4 was discovered by an Islamic physician and alchemist, Ibnu Zakaria Al-Razi in the ninth century. Sulphuric acid, H2SO4 is not just a common chemical used in laboratories but it has many industrial uses such as in batik industry.

THE USES OF SULPHURIC ACID, H2SO4

MANUFACTURE OF DETERGENTS

PRODUCTION OF FERTELIZER

AS ELECTROLYTE IN CAR BATTERIES

MANUFACTURE OF ARTIFICAL FIBRES

MANUFACTURE OF PAINTS

LEATHER TANNING

MANUFACTURE OF SULPHURIC ACID (CONTACT PROCESS)

STAGE 1
Molten sulphur is burnt in dry air to produce sulphur dioxide, SO2

S(l) + O2(g)

SO2(g)

STAGE 2
Sulphur dioxide, SO2 and excess oxygen gas, O2 passed over vanadium(V) oxide, V2O5 to produce sulphur trioxide, SO3

2SO2(g) + O2(g)

2SO3(g)

STAGE 3
Sulphur trioxide, SO3 reacted with concentrated sulphuric acid, H2SO4 to form oleum, H2S2O7

SO3(g) + H2SO4(l)

H2S2O7(l)

The oleum, H2S2O7 is then diluted with water to produce concentrated sulphuric acid, H2SO4 in large quantities. H2S2O7(l) + H2O(l) 2H2SO4(l)

SULPHUR DIOXIDE AND ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTIONS Sulphur dioxide, SO2 is an acidic gas. Inhaling sulphur dioxide, SO2 can causes diseases like: -coughing -chest pain -bronchitis -shortness of breath

 Sulphur dioxide, SO2 can cause acid rain due to reaction of sulphur dioxide, SO2 and rainwater
2SO2(g) + O2(g) + 2H2O 2H2SO4(aq)

Acid rain can corrode buildings and causing land and water pollutions

EXAMPLES EFFECTS OF ACID RAIN